Grub At Hub

Even though I was looking forward to a weekend with minimal plans, I ended up enjoying a jam-packed 48 hours, which included several great meals out with relatives who were in town visiting. I started the weekend with a Friday night dinner at Hub 51 with my aunt, uncle and cousins.

Hub 51 serves a variety of ethnic and classic American foods with consistently great results. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi or Mexican; a burger or a salad, they’ve got you covered. And the best part is that you just can’t go wrong.

We started our meal with the popular Pulled Chicken Nachos. The corn chips are topped with chunks of chicken, guacamole, white cheddar cheese, sour cream and roasted tomato salsa.

Pulled Chicken Nachos

Following the nachos, we also shared the Brussel Sprout Salad with medjool dates, almonds, manchego cheese and mustard vinaigrette. Unusual? Definitely, but enjoyed by our whole group. The brussel sprout leaves replace common lettuce leaves, and the sweet ingredients are a welcome contrast against the slightly bitter vegetable. I actually tried recreating this salad at home once, but I didn’t do it justice.

Brussel Sprout Salad

I had the “make your own” tacos, which arrived with the tortillas on the side. The shredded chicken was served simmering in a small pot with jalapenos and other wonderful spices, making it juicy and flavorful. I loved the guacamole, rice, and beans that are also served on the side. It’s crazy that I often crave Hub 51 over a Mexican joint for good tacos.

Chicken Tacos

Other popular orders include the Del Mar Seafood Salad with shrimp, crab and veggies, and the Green Chili Cheeseburger with grated sharp cheddar, poblano chilies and chipotle aioli.

Seafood Salad

Green Chili Cheeseburger

Last, but quite possibly my favorite part of the meal, is Martha’s Carrot Cake served with an extra dollop of cream cheese frosting and a second dollop of the dreamiest, vanilla bean whipped cream. The cake is soft like a pillow and so moist it melts in your mouth. A bite of the cake swiped through the vanilla bean whipped cream is pure heaven. The carrot cake, sans raisins or nuts, is perfection in my book. I guarantee that even a non-carrot cake lover will love this.